Cervical Cancer

You may have heard of the National HPV Vaccination Program run by the Australian Government, giving young women under the age 26 free cervical cancer vaccines.

But what about cervical cancer vaccines for women over 26?

Cervical cancer is one of the biggest cancers suffered by women.

• Every day over 40 Australian women undergo surgery to remove pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions from the cervix as detected on Pap smear. The majority of these women are under 40 years*.
• Cervical cancer is also the second most common cancer among women worldwide and is almost always caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)**

These may sound like a daunting figure, but it's not so bad when you consider the help available for Australian women through trauma insurance and vaccines.

Trauma insurance help for women

There are two cervical cancer vaccines available in Australia and these are produced and marketed by two different pharmaceutical companies. They are called Gardasil, which is manufactured by CSL Biotherapies, and Cervarix, which is produced by Glaxo Smith Kline Limited (GSK).

• 9-26 years of age - Gardasil is approved for use by females aged 9 to 26 and males aged 9 to 15. There have been many clinical studies in females that have established the vaccine's effectiveness. However, clinical studies in males are continuing.
• Over 26 years of age - Cervarix is approved for use in females aged 10 to 45.

Both cervical cancer shots protect against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause around 70% of cervical cancers. Gardasil also protects against HPV types 6 and 11 which cause up to 90% of genital warts.

While Gardasil is available in Australia for a few years now, Cervarix has only recently been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in late 2007

Who can have the vaccine?
The vaccine works best if given to females before they are exposed to HPV; that is, before the start of intimate physical relations. It is recommended that girls have the vaccine around the ages of 9 to 12.

Women who have had a physical relationship may benefit from the vaccine; however the benefit may be reduced. This is because it is highly likely that they have already been exposed to one or more HPV type(s) covered by the vaccine.

How can I get the vaccine and is it right for me?
Women over the age of 26 who choose to have the vaccine will need to pay for it themselves. The vaccine costs about $460 for the three injections (most private health care providers will subsidize this cost).

The best thing to do is to speak with your doctor or GP about your options.

How to better prevent cancer of the cervix
Apart of the vaccine, all women who have ever had a physical relationship need to continue having two-yearly Pap tests. This is your best chance to detect early signs or symptoms of cervical cancer and prevent cervical cancer. Even young girls who are vaccinated will need to have Pap tests when they're older.

Both vaccines DO NOT protect against ALL HPVs causing cancer
Both vaccines do not protect against all types of cancer causing HPV. It is effective against two specific types of HPV that cause around 70% of cervical cancers.

So, if you do happen to be one of the 14,600 Australian women who need surgery for cervical cancer*, you can get financial help by taking out critical illness insurance.

More help available
Based on AIHW 2005 figures, over 14,000 Australian women each year undergo surgery to remove pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions from the cervix. The financial cost can be staggering, when you consider both medical and living expenses incurred from having to take time off work to undergo surgery. Not to mention the additional time you will need for rest and recovery.

How To Get Trauma Insurance Help

Trauma insurance can help reduce the emotional and financial burden if you are diagnosed with major Cervical Cancer. Contact xLife to find out more or to receive free a trauma insurance quote.

Source:
* Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [2005]. Cervical Screening in Australia 2002-2003.
** The National HPV Vaccine Program, Department of Health and Ageing, Australian Government (health.gov.au/cervicalcancer)

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April 2009